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Pubs 'under threat'

14/02/2007

About 56 pubs close each month in the UK, a new survey has revealed.

Conducted by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), the study also found that a further 1,300 pubs nationwide are under threat from closure.

Urban areas are seeing the most dramatic decline, with four out of five permanent closures occurring here.

High demand for housing and pubs being converted into restaurants, shops and offices are said by Camra to be the main reasons for the decline of local pubs.

Commenting on the survey, Camra chief executive Mike Benner described pubs as a "vital hub" for communities.

"We can't allow ourselves to be in a situation where communities across the UK are without the amenity of a public house. At a time when more and more amenities are being lost it is time for licensees, residents and local authorities to make a stand," he said.

"Pubs are a meeting point for friends, neighbours, local groups, charities and sports teams. There simply is nothing to replace a well-run pub and yet they are being lost at this incredible rate."

Camra has launched a community pubs week (February 17th – 24th) to draw attention to the importance of people's local pub and is lobbying MPs to ensure that all new large housing developments include provisions for a pub.


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